Hodgson: Johnson will provide balance

Hodgson continued with his frantic overhaul of the under-performing Cottagers squad on Wednesday as he completed the capture of the 23-year-old USA and Kansas City Wizards striker on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

Hodgson told his club's website: "I have made no secret of the fact that I believe the squad lacks a certain balance in specific areas of the team and following the loss of Brian McBride to injury, this is true of our strike force."

He added: "At 6ft 1in Eddie has the presence that will complement the other forwards within our squad and he has the ability to offer us another dimension to our attacking play.

"I am delighted that he has joined us and am grateful to the representatives from the Home Office for granting him the work permit which will enable him to play for us as soon as possible."

The signing has been on the cards for several days but was held up by the need for Fulham to go to a Home Office tribunal before Johnson's work permit could be granted.

A move to Europe could have come sooner for Johnson, who has previously rejected offers from Benfica and Derby, saying he wanted to make sure he was ready for the challenge.

The value of the deal has not been disclosed, but reports have suggested that Fulham will pay around £3.1million, which would be a record for a Major League Soccer transfer fee.

He joins Danish midfielder Leon Andreasen and Texas-born Norwegian defender Brede Hangeland as new signings at Craven Cottage since the transfer window opened.

Rangers' Gabon international forward Daniel Cousin, who has scored eight goals in 14 starts, is also discussing personal terms after the Scottish Premier League giants accepted Fulham's improved offer of £3million.